1M40.10: BOWLING BALL PENDULUM



Rooms 135 and 139 Only!

PURPOSE: To demonstrate conservation of energy in a very dramatic way.

DESCRIPTION: The instructor backs up against the a backdrop (stepladder), holds the bowling ball up to his or her chin, and releases it. Because of conservation of energy the bob will swing across the stage and return to its original position adjacent to the instructor's chin, but without hitting his or her chin. Despite the wariness of the students, the pendulum bob cannot rise to a height greater than its original height, and the instructor is safe.

SUGGESTIONS: Do not push the bowling ball, drop it from your chin.

EQUIPMENT: Bowling Ball pendulum suspended from ceiling of lecture hall.

SETUP TIME: 60 min.

KEYWORDS: conservation of energy